There's been a continuous drive by the police to reduce violent crime

National Police Lead for Violence and Public Protection Deputy Chief Constable Andy Cooke said:

“The University of Cardiff’s research shows a fall in violent crime that is mirrored in the Crime Survey of England and Wales and police recorded crime. While this fall reflects trends in other countries and it is likely to have been affected by a range of factors, it demonstrates the results of a continuous drive by the British police service to prevent and robustly tackle violent crime.

“Protecting the public from harm is the service’s utmost priority so chief constables have invested in tackling violence in all its forms, continuing to adapt and innovate to bring crime down even as budgets have reduced and the UK has faced austerity.

“Cultural changes in drinking habits have played a part as well as improved policing of town centres where binge drinking fuels crime and disorder. However, around 50 per cent of all violent crime is alcohol-related and excessive drinking is still a real drain on police resources.

“Concerted efforts and an evidence based approach to issues such as domestic violence, gun and knife crime has reduced violence. A focus on crime prevention, multi-agency working and neighbourhood policing have also had an impact.

“There’s far more for us to do. We know that crimes such as domestic abuse and rape are still under-reported; we want to encourage victims to report to us so that we can act to protect them and prevent offenders walking free, able to commit further harm.”

University of Cardiff study - http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/articles/serious-violence-in-england-and-wales-drops-12-in-2013-12836.html

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Association of Chief Police Officers
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